On Thursday, April 17, 2025, France is bracing for more severe weather as storm Hans continues to wreak havoc across the country, particularly in the southeast and Corsica. Following heavy snowfall in the Alps and torrential rain, Météo France has issued new alerts for various departments, warning of potential flooding, avalanches, and thunderstorms.
As the remnants of storm Hans linger, significant rainfall is expected, with estimates suggesting accumulations could reach up to 200mm in some areas by the end of the day. Météo France has specifically placed Haute-Corse and Corse-du-Sud under orange alert for rain-flooding, advising residents to remain vigilant as the situation escalates.
Météo France announced that starting Wednesday evening, the precipitation could intensify to 20mm per hour, leading to a forecast of between 100 to 130mm of rain on the western slopes and relief of Corsica, with local peaks reaching 160 to 180mm. Elsewhere on the island, rainfall amounts are expected to range from 50 to 100mm. This alert is expected to remain in place until at least Thursday evening.
In addition to the rain, notable snowfall has been reported in the Alps, especially near the Italian border, with forecasts predicting remarkable snowfalls in Haute-Maurienne and south of Haute-Tarentaise. Due to the hazardous conditions, Savoie has been placed on orange alert for avalanche risk, with authorities urging caution for those engaging in mountain activities.
As storm Hans continues to impact the region, Météo France warns of lasting and sometimes sustained rainfall, which could lead to a very high risk of avalanches in the Haute-Maurienne and Haute-Tarentaise massifs. By Thursday, 16 departments across France were placed on alert for various weather-related hazards, including avalanches, rain-flooding, storms, and snow-ice.
Despite the ongoing challenges posed by storm Hans, a lull in the weather is expected on Friday, April 18, with drier and possibly sunnier conditions returning to the Mediterranean regions, the Alps, and Corsica. However, this respite will be short-lived, as another disturbance is forecast to approach from the west, bringing with it the potential for thunderstorms and additional rainfall.
As Friday progresses, the stormy weather is predicted to move toward Aquitaine in the evening, where strong storms may develop. On Saturday, April 19, this disturbance will sweep across the country, bringing sustained rain, particularly in Midi-Pyrénées and Limousin, as well as on the Cévennes. The pluvio-unstable nature of this system will be closely monitored, with authorities keeping a watchful eye on regions that could be significantly affected.
On Sunday, April 20, another wave of rain is expected to impact the northwest of France, with significant accumulations anticipated in regions like Poitou-Charentes. Météo France has indicated that as the storm Hans gradually weakens, the new depression moving in from the west will bring further challenges.
Weather experts, including meteorologist Yann Amice, have detailed the context of the situation, noting, "The arrival of this new system will bring rain, sometimes heavy, to Brittany and activate storms between Friday and Saturday, which could be violent in the southwest initially and across a large part of France on Saturday."
As the weather conditions remain unstable, authorities have advised residents to exercise caution, particularly in areas prone to flooding. The prefect of Corsica has urged citizens to avoid low-lying areas and to limit travel due to the potential for sudden flooding.
In the Alps, where snowfall has been significant, the situation has led to several road and rail closures, with nearly 4,000 homes reported to be without electricity in Savoie due to the weather. The risk of avalanches remains high, with snow accumulations that could exceed 2 meters near the Italian border.
Looking ahead, the Easter weekend is shaping up to be disrupted by frequent showers and thunderstorms, with significant rainfall expected from Limousin to Languedoc. The overall forecast suggests that while some areas may experience a temporary reprieve from the rain, the instability in the weather will likely continue through the weekend.
In summary, storm Hans has brought a mix of rain and snow to France, prompting widespread alerts as the country prepares for further weather disturbances. With the potential for heavy rainfall and thunderstorms, residents are advised to stay informed and heed warnings from Météo France to ensure their safety during this tumultuous period.
